Method and means for photographic developing or the like



C. R. TURNER April 27, 1948.

METHOD AND MEANS 1 0R PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVELOPING OR THE LIKE 3 Sheets-Sheet1 HMMQ Filed March 6, 1944 saw rm a S MW mm April 27, 1948. c. R. TURNER2,440,314

METHOD AND MEANS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVELOPING OR THE LIKE Filed March 6,1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 WASH F Ix! N 6. WATER BAT H jizz'erzfbr maamwwwmflz orrz ays.

April 7, 9 8- c. R. TURNER 2,440,314

METHOD AND MEANS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVELOPING OR THE LIKE Filed March 6,1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 15206222502 Charles @yerfurrzer Patented Apr. 27,1948 METHOD AND MEANS DEVELOPING FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC OR THE LIKE CharlesRoger Turner, Philadelphia, Pa. Application March 6, 1944, Serial No.525,186

19 Claims.

This invention relates to a new and improved method and means forhandling articles under conditions of treatment where temperaturevariations in certain respects are vital to the results desired, such asin the art of photographic developing, or like chemical treatment.

A principal object of the present invention is to gain more uniform andaccurate control than with prior expedients over the time-temperaturerelationship in such processes as employ a, fluid of variabletemperature, as for example the chemical solutions used in thedevelopment of photographic or X-ray films, plates and prints, or insuch other instances where the end result are entirely dependent uponthe action or reaction of a fluid, or rather the active ingredients inthe fluid, the activity of which is accelerated or decelerated in.response to temperature variations.

Another object is to provide a cyclical method and means for conductingthe articles to be treated into a treating zone or series of such zonessubject to temperature variations of such. character as to have aneffect upon the end result of the treatment, and to condition theduration of the cycle or various intervals in the cycle relative to theprev-ailing zone temperature.

Another object is automatically to progress articles to be treatedthrough a plurality of treat ing zon s which may be subject to the sameor respectively different temperature conditions during the intervals oftreatment to which the articles are subjected in such zones, and varyingthe intervals of treatment in the zones to compensate for temperaturevariations.

Another object is to provide a novel method and means for timing anoperating interval or processing step involving the action of a fluidsubject to temperature variations of such character as to influence theresults of the fluid action, which includes a hydraulic timing systemfeatured by the conducting of timer fiuid directly th push the fluid ofvariable temperature to attain correlation of the timing interval withthe temperatum-influenced action of the variable fluid.

A further object is to provide a novel article heating apparatusutilizing power motivated mechanical and hydraulic features forattaining uniform results in the treatment accurately compensated forvariations in temperature which would otherwise have an undesirableeifect upon the results of the treatment.

Still another object is to provide improved temperature-compensatedhydraulic timing control for combined m chanical and electricalapparatus.

Another object is to provide novel hydraulic operation-timing andmovement braking means.

Other objects, features and advantages will become apparent in thedescription and from theaccompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a hydraulically timed,intermittently operable power-actuated photographic developing apparatusaccording to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic showing of a modified organization of a portionof the apparatus disclosed in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective View on a small scale to afford abetter understanding of the article carrying and conveying structure ofthe apparatus in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of an operatiom controlling andtimerunit including the features of the apparatus diagrammatically shown inFig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of a modified apparatus;

Fig. 6 is a fragmental side partly in section, of another apparatusembodying features and Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the apparatus shownin Fig. 6.

By way of example, the invention may be applied to the processing ofphotographic units or articles such as film-s, plates or prints andinvolvelevational View modified form of of the invention,

ing subjecting the sensitized of the articles to the action of variouschemicaland washing baths within a treating zone. All of the steps ofthe process in the treating zone are adapted to be carried outintermittently in timed sequence in an automatic operating cycle. Eachstep in the cycle is properly timed hydraulically in a novel mannerwhich accurately compensates for variations in temperature in thetreating zone. To this end the controlling fluid of a hydraulic timingsystem is conducted directly through the treating zone, such fluid beingof a viscosity that is sensitive to temperatures or" the rangeencountered in said zone so that the duration of the time intervals oftreatment of the articles in the zone will accurately reflect thetemperature existing at any given time in the zone or a selected portionof the zone. Thus, as the viscosity of the timing fluid varies withtemperature changes in the treating zone, there is a correspondinglengthening or shortening of the interval of treatment. for which thesystem is initially set.

In photographic processing, of course, a certain interval can bepredetermined during which rying racks ll the photographic article mustremain, for example, in the developing bath at an optimum temperature. Alower temperature than optimum requires lengthening of the developmentinterval, a higher temperature requires that such interval becorrespondingly shortened. It is quite dinicult, if not impossible, tomaintain the developer solution at the predetermined optimumtemperature. For that reason, the present invention, which attainsminutely accurate compensation for deviation from the predeterminedoptimum temperature, is particularly valuable for obtainingsubstantially perfect results in development.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, a photographic developing apparatus embodyingthe features of the invention may include a relatively large receptaclel9 containing an elongated solution tank ll. At one end of the tank is asmaller tank l2 adapted to contain developer bath and at the other endis a second smaller tank l3 for fixing bath. The space interveningbetween the tanks {2 and I3 may be utilized for wash water that may bemaintained clean and in circulation by a fresh supply entering throughan inlet l4 while the used water is carried away through an overflowdrain l5.

Photographic articles to be processed are loaded upon one or morepreferably multi-clamp caradapted to be removably hooked over a conveyerbale l8 which has its ends fixedly assembled with respective axiallyaligned traveler gears l9 riding in tracks provided at the upper sideedges of the receptacle and having racks 2B engaged by the gears. Bydriving the traveler gears l9 along the racks 20, the conveyer bale i8is caused to swing about the axis of the gears l9 and dip down towardthe tank I l and emerge above the receptacle l0 alternately, thuscarrying the article rack or racks I1 into and out of the tank I I.

The construction and cooperative relationship of parts are such that twofull revolutions of the traveler gears I9 will swing the bale l8 to dipit alternately into and out of all of the alternate baths in the tankll. Thus, from a starting or loading position D, the bale I8 issuccessively swung into developing position A, next, by one fullrevolution of the traveler gears [9 into washing position B, followed byanother full revolution of the gears to swing into fixing bath positionC; then one revolution reversal of the gears to return it to washingposition B; and finally, by a half revolution return of the travelergears to return it to the starting position D for unloading andreloading.

Cyclical operation of the conveyer may be accomplished through themedium of a driving link 2| connecting the conveyer structure as shownin Figs. 1 and 3 to an endless type flexible driving element such as achain 22 running over a 'pintle gear 23 defining one end of an elongatedrun and a driving gear 24 defining the opposite end of its run and keyedto or otherwise connected to a worm gear 25 driven by a worm 21 which ismotivated through a shaft 28 by a motor 29. In this way, although themotor 29 drives in but one direction, the link 2| following the endlesschain 22 nevertheless drives the conveyer back and forth through thevarious operating positions of each cycle.

Means for controlling and timing operation of the motor 29 preferablycomprises a combination of mechanical, electrical and hydraulicfeatures. Electrical energy from any suitable source is supplied foroperating the motor 29 through a pria lobe D on the cam mary circuit 30containing a normally open type of master switch 3| which, duringoperation of the apparatus, is adapted to be held closed by a switchcloser 32. In control of the primary circuit 30 is an intermittentlyoperable switch 33 which is adapted to be maintained open by a triggertype of latch 34 during periods of inactivity of the apparatus. Manualrelease of the latch 34 to initiate a cycle of operation of theapparatus is effected through the medium of a digitally operable releasemember 35. Thereafter automatic intermittent opening and closing of theswitch 33 is accomplished by means of a set of actuating cams 31 and 38carried by a cam shaft 39 mounted to be driven counterclockwise as seenin Fig. 1 by a rotary driving element 40. The latter may be a geardrivingly connected as by means of an endless transmission element suchas a chain M engaging over or meshing with a driven element or sprocketadjacent to and permissibly forming part of the sprocket 24 whichrotates with the worm wheel 25.

When the switch 33 is initially closed by release of the trigger latch34, a cam follower 42 on the latch trigger enters a' starting notch 43in the cam 31. This overcomes the open condition of the switch 33existing at the termination of the preceding operating cycle, coincidentwith which 33 engages and holds in switch-opening position aswitch-controlling cam follower M. Now, with the switch initiallyclosed, the primary circuit 30 energizes the motor 29 and drives theapparatus to move the article carrier ll into the developing position A.In the course of this movement, the cam follower 42 leaves the startingnotch 43 and rides onto the periphery of the cam 3'! whereby to resetthe latch 34, But while this is taking place, the cam follower 44 leavesthe lobe D' and. the switch 33 as a result remains closed, being openedagain at the proper point in the cycle by engagement of theswitchcontrolling follower id by a lobe A on the cam 38. This thenbreaks the primary circuit 30, the motor 29 is de-energized and thearticle carrier ll becomes stationary while developing of the articlescarried thereby proceeds.

After a sufficient interval for developing to be completed, a secondarycircuit 55 is closed by the closing of a switch ll to energize the motoragain to drive the apparatus through the next step in the cycle, thatis, to move the article carrier ll from the developer solution into thewashing water at position B. The switch 41 is under the control of atiming unit 48 which is arranged to be cooked or set for each timinginterval by a cam follower i9 riding a cam in the set carried by the camshaft 39. At start of a cycle of operation the cam follower 49 isengaged by a lobe D" upon the cam 50 and thus is set for the developingphase of the cycle, the secondary circuit switch ii being open. Then,after the apparatus has come to rest in the developing position A, thetimer 53 completes its development timing cycle, allowing the switch 41to close and initiate the second phase in the operating cycle of theapparatus. In this second phase the switch-controlling follower M leavesthe lobe A of the cam 38 to close the primary circuit switch 33, thetimer-cocking follower 49 is engaged by a lobe B to set the timer forthe washing interval that follows development and open the secondaryswitch ll, and closely following this the switch controlling follower 44is engaged by a tripping lobe B on the cam 38 and the apparatus-comes torest-with-the article carrier- IFin the-washing position-B:

After the washing interva'l timer 4 8 again allo close so that the-motor-29 drivesthe apparatus through the next phase-in the-operating cycleduring-which-the timer-484s againcocked by engagement "of't-he cocking-follower- 49 by a lobe C on the cam 591 and closely thereafter a lobe Con thecamtBagain trips the switch controlling follower-44* to open= theswitch 33, the apparatus coming to rest with-the article carrier l'l inthe fixing bathposition--- 0. Since the fixing bath requires a longerinterval-in the processingof the article than developing; the lobe C"ispreferably higher than the other lobes-of the cam 56 so as tocoekthe-timer 43' for a longer timing cycle, therebyincreasingthe-length of the-fiXing-interval overthe developing andwashing-intervals of the cycle of operati'on.

At the endof the fixing int is-again= actuated by repetiti tentoperation-throughclosing of the secondary switchflsothatas the motor 29then drives the apparatus to'return the article carrier H to thewashingposition-B; the timer 48 is again cooked by engagement of a lobeB with the-cocking follower 49'; whereaftera lobe B on the cam. 38 tripsthe switch-tripping follower 4 1' and brings the apparatus torest in:the washing position. After: termination: of the final washing interval,themotor 29 isagain-energized the-secondaryswitch 47 Then-the lobe D"and the lobe-D i engage and actuate their repsective followers,cockthe-timer 18 and open the secondary switch 4'! and open theprimaiyswitch 33, thus terminating the cycle ofoperation and bringing theapparatus to rest carrier: H at the starting position D to be un--loaded andreplaced by another carrier or carriers withiunprocessedarticles.

Another cycle of the operation can then. he mitiatedi by the attendantor: user releasing the starter-trigger release-$5 at. will, aspreviously explained.

The timing'unit 485 ispreferably of thegkind broadly covered in. mycopending: application SeriaLNo; 329',452;filed A pri1 13, 1940,nowiPatent No; 2 5433347, dated hydraulically on the principle ofdisplacing liquid rapidly fromone portion of a hydraulic: circuit toanother pcrtion-and 'thencontrolling the re-' turn of the liquid underconditions wherein the liquid will take a givenlength oftime forthereturn' under certai orifice, viscosity, and temperature. the timerunit includes apair of similarmetallic bellows 5-1 and 52 hermeticallysealed and securedsto; respective opposite sides ofa base plate 53fixedly-supportedby a suppo bracket '54; Within thechambers defined bythe bellows iland 52 is'such a quantity of a liquid, such as'an' oil ofpredeterminedviscosity, aswill but'fill'the chambers equally'when thebellows are inbalance.

The bellows 51 is. cooperatively related to the cocking-q cam" follower.49 in such manner that when the cam follower isengaged and actuated bythe lobes Ofjthe cam 53; the liquid within the bellows 5| is driventhrough an orifice 55 inthe base plate 53..into.the bellows 52; thuscompressingthebellows 5'! and expanding the bellows 52. Return oftheliquid through the orifice 55 is preventedjby a one-waycheck val've51.As atre sult ofthis actiono-f'the' bellows; a switch arm58 has run out;the

erval, the apparatus on of the intermit- Tothis end ws the secondaryswitch 4! to with the article March '7, 1944, and operates npredetermined factors of rting frame or 1 creased by v dicatedzat B l'.

Therefore;-

drivenfrom the bellows 52 through 1 a bleederduct-- 6i) through the duoits respective e -sectional flow are erminable length of time t itShouldthe temperat ismctivated toopen the secondary-circuit switch tothe belows 5t which, as shown-, has ride through baseplate 53'.-

0 pass me be increased or decreased, however, there willbeacorresponding acceleration or-dec how of the liquid through theeieration-in-theduct 60, and this phenomenon is taken advantage oftoattainautomatic and self compensating: adjustment in thetiming cycleof ea For example; the-b the unit closely and continuvariations intemperature in ting zone of the apparatus.

leeder duct- 60* maybe of suf ficient length to form a loop adaptedto-di'p'into the developer bath inthe tank I2 so. that thereturningliquid during the timing cycle is c0n--- ducteddirectly throu andis-thusbrought gh the liquid: of: the bath to the same temperatureastiiebath; As a result, where the timing interval has been adjustednormalto an optimum temperature of'the developer bath, the lowertemperature will cause" is become sluggish and to prolong the de shouldthe develop perature than "the corespondingly and; time of theintervals.

siveness of the timer In: ordertto improve the;

he liquid in the duct 60'to' thus slow its travel whereby velopmentinterval; whereas,.

bath be of ahigher temoptirnum, travel of the timer v liquid throughthe: duct:

.60 will be accelerated appropriately shorten the Such temperaturerespone. is 2 thus atall times quite throughout the complete. ancesinxtheideveloper bath; temperature; respon,-,

siveness-of: thetimer fiuid;.the=,most restricted portion of the"bleeder, i

s preferably so disposed aswto be; immersed in; the developer bath as;in-

Such complished in; same.

It: may be noted that in.

although the bleeder to: be temperature r tank I2. Likewise th flow:restrictionmay be aca round duct by flattening the,

the present instance, duct 60:. is. disposed 1 merely; esponsiveto: thedeveloper bath isdisposed to be of a y corresponding to that of thewhich contacts thedevelopertacted by the'washing Water so that thefixing bath will be of aturei Thus, t in-the bleederduct 6 be equallyapplicable washing wate approximately the same temperemperatureadjustments effected.

0 'inthe developer bath will: to the temperatures in the r and-'in thefixing bath.

Predetermined major adjustments in the timing interval for fected by setAll of the features ting the various purposes are preferably efsecondarycircuit switch 41- meanssuch asan eccentric cam adjuster 62:

of' the intermittent operating control and timer unit are incorporated'in th in spond to i the elemen in' Fig; 1; are identi e exemplary,compact, unitary assembly shown Fig. 4, wherein the visible parts whichcorrets" diagrammatically shown fied by identical reference numerals,certain special details of slight strucdisregarded as mere matters ofengineering choice. Certain environmental'details shown in Fig. 4 will,however, be described for a clearer understanding of the structure. Forexample, the entire carried by a framework 63 which in turn is rockablycarried by the cam shaft 39 so as to be tiltable from the full lineoperative position to the broken outline position wherein the bleederduct loop 60 clears the developer bath. The shaft 39 may be suitablyjournaled upon the sides of the receptacle 10. The master switch-3| mayalso be mounted upon the side of the container 16 while the switchcloser 32 is carried by the frame 53 so that when the assembly is in thefull line operating position, the switch is closed while when theassembly is tilted back to inoperative position, the switch is opened.

In Fig. 4, the latch releasing member 35 is shown as being in the formof an upstanding bar 611 arranged to project above a cover 65 for easymanipulation and guided for vertical reciprocation by screws 61extending through respective slots 68 in the bar and secured to theframe 63. A spring 69 acts normally to urge the bar upwardly so as tointerpose a lug 69a on the bar into the path of the pivotally mountedlatch trigger 34. v

The adjusting cam 62 is shown as carried'by a vertical, rotatable shaft19 for engagement with a switch adjusting follower 1| associated withthe switch 41. The shaft 19 conveniently projects upwardly to clear thecover 65 and has an operating knob 12 which is adapted to be turned withrespect to a calibrated plateor dial 13 on top of the cover which maycarry suitable indicia showing various adjustment settings.

Where there tural differences being cycle of operation, wherein eachinterval may be affected by difierent variable temperature conditions,separate hydraulic timer units may be provided for each requirementsubstantially as indicated in the modification of Fig. 2. Here assemblyis 7 is a requirement for individual. accurate timing of particularintervals in the two separate timing units 480. and 48b are provided sothat one of the units may, for example, be utilized to time thedeveloping bath phase of the cycle and the other for timing the fixingbath phase of the cycle where conditions are such that the two baths maybe subject to .independent temperature variations. For this purpose, thefunctions of the timer cam 59 are divided amongst two separate cams 59a.and b for controlling respectively the unit 4811 and the unit-48b. Thecam 59a may be formed with an initial cocking lobe DX" for thedeveloping phase and a lobe BX" for the washing phase followingdevelopment. After this, the cam 50a maintains the unit t8a inactive andthe associated secondary circuit switch 41a open and the timing unit1182) becomes operative by being cocked by lobe CX" on the cam 59b totime the fixing bath phase of the cycle while lobe BX cooks the unit481) for the washing phase following fixing. Upon return of theapparatus to starting position, the cam 59b cocks the unit 48b andmaintains the associated switch 41?) open continuously until the fixingbath phase of the next succeeding cycle is reached.

In another modified form of the invention, as shown in Fig. 5, theoperation controlling and timing structure may be the same as describedin connection with Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, but the article conveyingstructure may be of a nature 1 able idlers 11 and a set of driverstreatment. Ac-

bar 15 may be supported at its ends by endless conveyors such beingtrained over suit- 18 in such manner as to convey the carrying bar 15into various positions which, in a photographic development apparatus,may comprise a loading and unloading position DY, a developer bathposition AY, a wash water position BY, and a fixing bath position CY.Actuation of the conveyor may be through the medium of a shaft 19 actingupon the drivers 18 through endless driving elements and in turn driventhrough the medium of an endless driving element 8| trained over anoscillating actuator 82 of relatively large active radius. Motivation ofthe oscillating actuator 82 is effected by the motor 29a acting througha reduced radius rotary crank 83 and a link 84. As the crank 83 isintermittently rotated during an operating cycle, the link 84successively assumes the several operating positions with respect to thecrank 83, and drives the oscillating actuator 32 into the positions, asindicated by the characters DY, AY, BY, CY, corresponding to the variousoperating positions of the article carrier 15.

Up to this point power actuated apparatus has been described, but forsome purposes a less elaborate, hand operated apparatus may be desired.Accordingly, the modified form of the invention shown in Figs. 6 and '1may be found satisfactory. This comprises a tank or pan 85 which may besubdivided into two sections by a partition 86 with one of the sections,identified .by the legend Developing bath adapted to receive thedeveloper solution and the other section wash water. Journaled acrossthe top of the tank adjacent the partition 86, is a shaft 81 which isnormally biased by means such as a. torsion spring 88 to assume anangular position wherein an article holder or rack 89 is within .thewash water. A handle 99 is provided upon the shaft 81 for turning theshaft in opposition to the torsion spring 86 to carry the articlesupporting rack 89 over into the developing bath. When the rack 89 hasassumed the developing position, a latch arm 9i fixed upon the shaft 81engages a trigger 92 normally urged by a spring 93 into latchingposition. The trigger carries a trip lever 94 which is adapted to beengaged by a trip 95 arranged a timer generally identified at 91.

The timer 91 comprises a fiexible bellows unit including a settingbellows 98 hermetically sealed and mounted upon the upper side of ahorizontal base member 99 rigidly supported by a bracket I09 while apump bellows Ifll is mounted in hermetically sealed relation upon theopposite side of the base 99. The chamber within the bellows 98communicates with the chamber within the bellows Nil through an orifice192 in the base as chains 16, the chains member 99 so that liquid ofpredetermined visperature as prevails in the bath, and is correto beengaged and operated by Y Hi5 extends into the developspondinglyafiected as to viscosity, slowing down .-ln proportion to temperaturesbelow optimum :and accelerating in proportion to increases intemperature. When the liquid has returned to "the'setting bellows -98 insufiicient quantity, a dog 106 at :thBatGPFOf the bellows98 engages thetrip memberte actuating the same to swing the trip arm 94 andreleasesthe trigger 92 whereupon the r loaded torsion spning flii causes theshaft 81 to rotateiand swing the carrier to out ofthe developing bath.

.Rotationof theshaft- 87in swinging the carrier -89 ut of thedevelopingbath is also-effective to set the timer unit for another timing cycle,and theti-m ing unitrsimultaneously serves as a brake luponthe shaft toprevent itsunduly rapid rotationunder the influence oftheloaded springas whichmight cause the article carrier to flip up dangerouslyfast. Forthis purpose, the shaft?! is formed witha crank ltl'with whichisassocisateda piston 38 operating slidably througha sleeve! 09 to engagewitha cocking member H6 .pivotally secured to the top of thesettingbellows as shownat Ill. The sleeve lot is fast-upon the member! Iawhile the piston I 68 is slidable within the sleeve-to aiforda lostmotion connection. The :angle of the crank is such that asthe carrier 89swings around to thedot-dashposition shown -in.Fig.16,thepiston I08 actsto compressthesetting bellows as .which .by affording certain :amountpfresistance due to therelatively retarded .passage of .liquid thrcughtheorifice I62, .creates :the. braking efiect.

Upon the carrier. 89 reaching the dot-dash position of Fig. 6, a stateof equilibrium isat- .tained dueitothe .resistance. afiorded by thebellows 9.8 whichcounterbalances th effect of the spring 88 at thatposition and the apparatus :comestorest. Thenthe user may, through themediumsof thehandleilihswing thecarrier over intothe .wash water, wheredue to gravity the carrier will remain until returned to starting,position-bymeans of the handle 38. The lost -motionconnection of thepiston Hi8 permits it toslidewithin the sleeve His away from the memberH9 when thedevicelis swunginto the wash water as-indicated. When thecarrier isswung -outof-the wash water up toethe loading position,:thepistonliis-will againlact to cock the timer so that-whenthecarrieris returned to the develop- .ingfbath -the-timer will be setfor another developing :interval.

The-lcarriermise is preferably removably connectedintoasocket I I2cnlthe shaftby a spring detent and-bayonet. slot connection. asindicated at 3. -Throughithis arrangement, the user may rapidlyinterchange various carriers as desired, taklng-acarrier ofdevelopediphotographic articles away and replacing itwitha carrierloaded with articles requiring. development. The carrier'havlngdeveloped articles on it. can then be placed :lnto a .similar.rnachinefor further processing such as fixing or itlmaybeotherwise.handled.

-While;I: have shown in the drawings. and have :herein-describedindetailcertain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood -thatl do-not.thereby intend to limit theinvention to the specific forms disclosed,but intend to coverall modifications and alternative constructionsfalling within the .spiritand scope ofsthe invention as expressed intheifollowing claims.

. 1.:.The method. of-timing thelength ofya treat- :ment which involves.use-of a vprocessing liquid subject'to variable temperature,conditions, which characterized in that the flow .ing a :timing liquidof characteristics 'fromone .in a .timingcircuit, and liquid to heatexchanging intimacy with the processing liquidso as to effect anadjustment in v the rate-a given quantity of-the timing-liquid willincludes directing a timing liquid of predetermined viscositycharacteristics through a circuit in .whichthe rate of flow. ofthetiming liquid from onepoint toanotheriat an optimum temperature andgiven pressure is known and constitutesthe of thetiming-liquid with theprevailingtemperature conditionv and thuseifect secondary adjustmentinthetiming interval.

2. The method according .to claim 1 further of the timing liquid'isseverely-restricted at the point where the timin liquid is in exchangerelation to the processing liquid while allowing the timing liquid "tonew under relatively less restricted conditions in the remainder of thecircuit.

v3. The methodof timing an operation involving-the use of aprocessingliquid subject to variable temperature conditions, which comprisesorciblydireeting a timing liquid of a viscosity responsive to saidvariable temperature. conditions from one chamber to another chamberthrough a-severely restricted-passage through which at given pressureand temperature the timing liquid flows at a predetermined rate butvaries as toifiow ratein accordance with-variations in term processingliquid in the viscosity of the timing Tliquid-andaccordinglyregulatethefiow of the timingliquid through said restrictedpassage.

A. The method'of timinglan operation involving eprocessing liquidsubject to variable temperature conditions, which comprises conduct--predeterrnined viscosity point to a second point subjecting the timingcompleteaetiming cycle by flowing from said one pointtosaid; second ipoint under a given pressure which under optimum temperature conditionswould cause a completion of the flow'in a given time.

5. Inicombination inapparatus of the charac- -ter.,described, meansdefining a processing zone adapted to contain a processing.liquidsubjectto variable --temperature conditions, and means for timing a treatmentinterval in said processing aonezincluding aihydraulic circuit havingtherein .a timing liquid of predetermined viscosity characteristics, andmeans-for conducting the timing liquid from one point to another pointin the circuit'at apressurewhich at at an optimum temperaturewill cause.a given volume of the timing .liquid to flcw fromsaid one point to theother inagiven length of time and thus constitutes theprimary-adjustment for-which the timing circuit .is conditioned; saidmeans being so related to said zone as to subject the timing liquid toheat-transference directly from the processing liquid withinthe-zone tocondition the viscosity of the timin -liquid and thus efiectan-automatic secondary adjustmenticf. the timing'circuit.

.6..I:n combination in apparatus adapted for photographic articletreatment, a :treating zone of variable tcmperatureequipped forav'plurality of stages of treatment, means for supporting the articlesto be treated, intermittently operable means for moving the supportingmeans into and out of the treating zone while subjecting the articlessuccessively to said plurality of stages of treatment, means for timingthe intermittent interval during which said intermittently operablemeans remains inactive to maintain the article supporting means in eachstage of treatment in the treating zone including a hydraulic timingcircuit comprising a bellows unit having a bleeder duct within thetreating zone, a liquid of temperature responsive viscosity in saidcircuit so as to be effected by the prevailing treating zone temperatureas encountered in passing through said duct, and means operated by saidintermittently operable means for cocking the bellows unit before eachstage of treatment.

7. Cyclically operating apparatus for treating articles comprising, incombination, means adapted to, provide a treating zone subject toconditions directly affecting the character of the treatment, means forconducting the articles into the treating zone, a timer including abellows adapted to determine the duration of the treating interval byexpansion of the bellows from a compressed condition thereof, meansarranged to be operated by the timer for controlling said conductingmeans to remove the articles from the treating zone and terminate thetreatment after a predetermined interval of treatment as determined bythe timer, and means operable automatically upon termination of thetreatment, as determined by the expansion of the bellows, forcompressing the bellows and thereby resetting the timer for the nexttreating cycle,

8. In apparatus for treating articles cyclically, means providingtreating zones for a plurality of successive processing fluids which areindependently subject to temperature variation, means for supporting thearticles successively in each of the zones, means for actuating thearticle supporting means to enter into active position with respect tosaid treating zones in sequence, individual temperature compensatingtiming means associated with each of said zones for determining thetreating interval in each of the processing fluids, means for operatingsaid actuating means, and means coordinated by said individual timingmeans for controlling the activity of said operating means.

9. Apparatus for processing photographic articles or the like comprisingin combination, means providing a plurality of treating zones forsuccessively receiving the articles and each adapted to contain aprocessing fluid subject to variable temperature conditions, said meansmaintaining the processing fluids separate but in mutual heat exchangingrelation so as to effect a common prevailing temperature in all thetreating fluids, and timing means including a hydraulic circuit havingmeans for directing into heat exchanging relation with one of theprocessing fluids a timing liquid of predetermined viscositycharacteristics so as to correlate the rate of flow of the timing liquidwith the prevailing temperature of the processing fluid and compensatefor any deviation from an optimum temperature established as ideal andat which optimum temperature the timing liquid will travel the circuitunder identical pressure at a predetermined rate, and means controlledby the timing means for successively conducting the articles into andout of the treating zones.

10. In apparatus of the character described, an

article carrier adapted to move from one position to a second positionand return, load and fire mechanism for holding the carrier in thesecond position, and timing means adapted to operate said load and firemechanism including a fluid controlled timing circuit having means forgradually bleeding the fluid following setting of the timing means todetermine a time interval before the timing means operates saidmechanism to release the carrier for return to said one posi tion, saidtiming means also having an operative connection with said carrier torestrain to a predetermined rate of movement return thereof to the oneposition.

11. In combination in timing apparatus of the character described, ametallic bellows unit having therein a liquid of predetermined viscositycharacteristics, a passage of severely restricted cross-sectional flowarea for flow of the liquid from one part of the bellows unit to anotherunder given hydraulic pressure to determine an interval by the length oftime required for such flow by a given volume of the liquid, and amember adapted to move from one position to a second position and returnhaving an operative relation with said bellows unit whereby it isretained for said interval in the second position after movement theretofrom the one position and then released for return, said bellows unithaving another passage of greater but also restricted flow area adaptedfor return of the liquid to said one part coincident with returnmovement of said member and serving as a brake to restrain said memberfor relatively slow movement in said return.

12. In combination in apparatus for processing articles in a processingliquid of variable temperature characteristics and in which thetemperature is a vital factor in the duration of the processing for anydesired result, means providing a receptacle for the processing liquid,means for conducting the article into the liquid, and load and firemeans for controlling the length of time said conducting means willmaintain the article in the processing liquid, said controlling meansincluding an interval timer operating with a liquid of predeterminedtemperature responsive viscosity characteristics at a given hydraulicpressure and temperature and having a conduit of high heat transferefficiency and of such restricted flow area that at a given basictemperature a given quantity of the timing liquid under such pressurewill travel through the conduit in a certain time interval, said conduitbeing immersed in said processing liquid to bring the timing liquidtherein into intimate heat transfer relation to the processing liquid soas to be responsive in its viscosity to the prevailing temperature ofthe processing liquid.

13. Apparatus for treating an article, comprising in combination, astructure afiording a treating zone for the article and having meanstherein for supporting the article during treatment, means operable tocommence an interval of treatment in said zone, means for timing theduration of the treatment interval including a pair of chambers andmeans for conducting a timing liquid of predetermined viscositycharacteristics from one chamber to the second chamber, said conductingmeans providing a passage permitting the liquid to travel only at a slowrate so that a predetermined quantity of the liquid will require apredetermined length of time at a predetermined pressure to traveltherethrough, means acted upon by the timer after a predeter- 13 minedquantity of the liquid has traveled through said conducting means fromthe one chamber to the second chamber to terminate the treatmentinterval, and means, operative coincident with said treatmentterminating means in terminating the treatment interval, for actingupon.

the timer for returning the timing liquid rapidly from the secondchamber to the one chamber in readiness for the next succeeding timingoperation.

14. In combination in apparatus for treating articles in a plurality ofsuccessive stages in a cyclical process, means defining a treatin zoneaccommodating said successive stages of treatment, means for conductingthe articles through said treating zone, means for controlling theoperation of said conducting means to maintain the articles for apredetermined time interval in each successive stage of treatment insaid zone, said means including a, timer unit for controlling theinterval of operation for each of said stages of treatment, and meansincluding a resetting element movable during action of said controllingmeans and an element carried by the timer unit, said elements actingtogether automatically following each stage of treatment to reset thetimer unit to operate for the succeeding stage of trea ment.

15. Apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein at least one stage oftreatment is subject to temperature variations of a nature to affect thecharacter of treatment of the articles, and the timer unit operates witha timing liquid of temperatune-sensitive viscosity to compensate forsaid temperature variations, the timer unit being so related to thetreating zone that the timing liquid is subject to thetreatment-affecting variable temperatures therein.

16. In combination in a photographic developing device of the characterdescribed, means defining a treating zone and providing a receptacle fordeveloper solution, means for supporting photographic articles to beimmersed in the developer solution and movable into and out ofarticle-immersing relation to said receptacle, means for eifecting theoperative movement of said supporting means comprising a timer includinga bellows unit having a pair of flexible bellows providing chamberscarrying a temperature-sensitive timer liquid and from one of whichchambers the liquid is adapted to be displaced rapidly into the otherchamber, and a duct of restricted flow area connecting said chambers fortimed return of the displaced liquid to said one chamber, said ductbeing in the form of a loop extending into said receptacle to beimmersed in the developer solution so that the timer liquid will beconstantly subjected to the temperature conditions prevailing in thesolution.

17. A photographic developing device as defined in claim 16 wherein thetiming unit is mounted for movement to carry said duct at will into andout of the receptacle.

19. In combination in apparatus of the character described, meansdefining a treating zone subject to variable temperature conditions,means for supporting an article to be treated in said zone, means fordriving said supporting means into and out of article treating relationto said zone and including an intermittently operable actuating motor,and means for controlling the operation of said motor including a timingdevice having means acting under predetermined ideal temperatureconditions to afford a given operational time interval and sensitive toand self-adjustable with respect to the prevailing temperature in saidzone for determining the length of time the supporting means may remainin treating relation to said zone by accelerating or deceleratingoperation of the timing device to control the operationalintermittencies of the motor, said article supporting means including anendless-type conveyor arranged to be intermittently motivated cyclicallyby the motor for recurrently carrying the article supporting means intoand out of treating relation to the treating zone.

19. In combination in apparatus of the character described, a supportingstructure, cyclically operating means including an electrical motor forintermittently actuating a member, controL ling cam structure includinga cam shaft mounted rotatably on said supporting structure, anelectrical circuit including electrical switch means actuated by the camstructure for determinin the operation of said motor, a master controlswitch for said circuit carried by said supporting structure, and acarrying frame supporting said electrical switch means, said carryingframe being rockably mounted upon said cam shaft and adapted in oneposition to close said master control switch for rendering the apparatusactive, said frame being adapted to be rocked upon said cam shaft toopen said master control switch to render the apparatus inactive.

CHARLES ROGER TURNER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,343,347 Turner Mar. 7, 19442,052,927 Hallwood Sept. 1, 1936 2,251,925 Edmunds et a1 Aug. 12, 19412,135,506 Hansch et a1. Nov. 8, 1938 1,004,947 Watkins Oct. 3, 19112,343,347 Turner Mar. 7, 1944 1,985,554 Smith Dec. 25, 1934 2,004,410Houch et a1 June 11, 1935 2,117,279 Anson May 17, 1938 2,251,925 Edmundset a1 Aug. 12, 1941 2,052,927 Hallwood Sept. 1, 1936 2,053,143 FrederickSept. 1, 1936 2,076,290 Bliss Apr. 6, 1937 2,204,532 Erbguth et al June11, 1940 2,254,795 Daniels Sept. 2, 1941 1,915,791 Klimis June 27, 19331,816,290 Klimis July 28, 1931 1,916,207 DeFrancisco et a1. July 4, 19331,832,296 Greene et al. Nov. 17, 1931 2,339,810 Richards Jan. 25, 19442,386,781 Daly Oct. 16, 1945

